It is hard for me to say this and it sounds awfully selfish, but I have never been able to work with shelters up to this point because I would either a) go home in tears or b) go home with a car full of dogs. But this year I was presented with the perfect opportunity to give back to such a beautiful organization.

I was asked to shoot a few months for the 2010 Calendar but volunteered to shoot the entire calendar as a thank you for all the work they do every single day of the year for rescue animals. I wanted to shoot the entire calendar because I believe a consistent product will hopefully generate more sales (hint, hint!)

Of course, volunteering to do 13 on-location shoots was no small feat but I was up for the challenge. It took up a good chunk of my summer, but I met some amazing dogs (and yes some cats too!) and many of them were rescued. It was absolutely worth my time.

Good photography can only go so far and I wanted to ensure that the design was complimentary to my style of work. So I put a call out on Facebook for a graphic designer to volunteer their time. Within minutes Buzz jumped at the opportunity and away we went. I couldn’t have asked for a better design. It is clean, modern, with complimentary colors and gorgeous typography. I know Buzz put in as much if not more work than I did towards the final product.

It is definitely not your everyday folded, traditional calendar. The calendar measures a full 11 x 17 on extra thick, semi-matte, cardstock. It is fairly heavy when you pick it up and I love that it doesn’t fold! The large size ensures that your calendar won’t get lost on a wall and will make a statement in any room.

Last night I got to see the finished product and I couldn’t believe how beautiful it turned out. I am so incredibly proud to be a part of this product. It would mean so much if you ordered one for yourself and while you’re at it order a second to give as a gift for Christmas!

To order simply download the form & follow the instructions.

[ PDF Order Form ]

Here are a few pictures I took of the final product.

Yummy typography.

Bluey graces the cover. This old man is 17 and going strong!


Included are meaningful words from all the owners.

Lorenzo was one of my favorite dogs. He even gave me extra kisses last night for making him look so handsome.

I love that the normally unoccupied squares on a calendar are filled with additional images from the shoots.

Doctor just might be the coolest cat I’ve ever met and he wants you to buy one. Just look at the face!

The volunteer will be shooting local celebrities and the dogs they are walking in the fashion show! It needs to be a studio set up.

DETAILS

1. You will need to provide the backdrop.
2. Hours 5:00 – 6:00 p.m. start time until 9:00 p.m. (or when fashion show begins).
3. Shoot approximately 30-40 people that are walking dogs in the fashion show.

Please contact me if you are interested and I’ll connect you with the coordinator.

Thank you!

One of the reasons you never see shelter work from me is because I physically + mentally can’t do it. It kills me. I feel guilty every day that I can’t go in and photograph the dogs but I just can’t do it. What I do try to do is donate or volunteer in any other way to make up for it. So I am totally thrilled to be able to donate my time to shoot all 12 dogs this year for the 2010 Humane Society Calendar. Each month is up for bidding at the auction. I can’t wait!

If you can’t make it to the event, then be sure to order a calendar for next year!

I am still so moved by all the stories I received when I ran my contest this summer for a free session anywhere in the nation. So I am so excited to see that others are giving back as well. It is contagious!

Kristen Kalp has taken it one step further and has not only offered a free session but developed a site for photographers (global!) to participate in sharing the love.

The premise is simple: Think of someone you know who deserves custom photography but can’t afford it. Nominate them to win it. Sit back and bask in your own awesomeness.

Click on the map to go to the site for more info. It is quite simply…awesome.